Preventive screenings for women 40 and older

Turning 40 is a milestone — and a reminder to prioritize your health. Many conditions that affect women, such as heart disease, breast cancer, diabetes and osteoporosis, often develop without symptoms. This makes regular screenings especially essential. They help catch issues early, guide treatment decisions and support long-term wellness.

This guide outlines key preventive screenings recommended for women 40 and older, including what to expect and when to schedule each one.

1. Annual wellness visits and bloodwork

During your annual visit, your doctor will assess your overall physical and mental health and recommend any additional screenings based on your age, medical history, and lifestyle. This includes adding depression screening to your routine preventive care.

“Even if you feel fine, it’s important to see your healthcare provider at least once a year,” said HCA Florida Healthcare internal medicine physician Dr. Chitra Rajpal. “Annual exams are the foundation of preventive care, offering a chance to discuss concerns, track changes and adjust your care plan as needed.”

2. Heart health check

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the United States, often developing without warning signs. Regular screenings help detect risks early and support long-term cardiovascular health.

Recommended screenings:

• Blood pressure: At least every 2 years
• Cholesterol: Every 4-6 years starting at age 45, or earlier if you have risk factors
• Blood glucose: Every 3 years beginning at age 45, with earlier testing if you're overweight or have other risks
• Weight and BMI: During routine exams
• Waist circumference: As needed to assess cardiovascular risk
• Lifestyle review: Smoking, diet and physical activity should be discussed during regular visits

Your doctor may recommend more frequent testing based on your health history, medications or lifestyle changes.

3. Pap smear

A Pap smear checks for abnormal cervical cells that could lead to cancer. It’s a key part of preventive care and can detect issues before symptoms appear.

Screening guidelines:

• Women ages 21-29: Every 3 years
• Women ages 30-65: Every 3-5 years, depending on test type and risk factors
• After age 65: Screening may stop if prior results have been consistently normal

Talk to your doctor about the right screening schedule for you, especially if you have a history of HPV, abnormal results or other risk factors.

4. Mammograms

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. Mammograms are the most effective tool for early detection, often identifying cancer before symptoms appear.

What to expect:

• You’ll stand in front of a specialized X-ray machine
• Each breast is gently compressed between two plates to capture clear images
• The process takes only a few minutes per breast

Screening guidelines:

• Women 40 and older: Annual mammograms are typically recommended
• Higher-risk women: May need to start earlier or screen more often

5. Bone density test

As you age, bones can weaken and become more fragile. A bone density test uses a specialized X-ray to measure bone strength and thickness, helping detect osteoporosis early.

Who should be screened:

• Women 65 and older
• Women under 65 with risk factors
• Some men over 65, depending on health history

Your provider will recommend testing and treatment based on your results.

6. Colorectal cancer screening

Colorectal cancer screenings should begin at age 45. Several screening options are available.

Common methods:

• Colonoscopy: Every 10 years
• Stool tests: Annually
• Sigmoidoscopy: Every 5 years

Higher-risk individuals may need earlier or more frequent screening. Risk factors include family history of colon cancer or polyps, inflammatory bowel disease and genetic conditions such as Lynch syndrome.

Talk to your doctor about the best screening schedule for you.

Take charge of your health

Life gets busy, but your health shouldn’t wait. HCA Florida Healthcare makes it easy to schedule the screenings you and your loved ones need. To learn more or book an appointment, visit our website. 

If you’re unsure which screenings are right for you or have a health concern, our Consult-A-Nurse® service is here to help. Call (844) 70-NURSE (844-706-8773) any time — day or night — to speak with a licensed nurse for free. They can answer medical questions, help you understand symptoms, and guide you to the right care or screening options.

Expert advice is just a call away.